What makes you try harder each day? As one of the 400,000 citizens living in the U.S. with Multiple Sclerosis, I will use the doors that the International Pageant system opens for me, to continue to advocate as a mentor, educator and philanthropist. Through my platform, “MS: Embracing Your Diagnosis”, I will continue to touch others lives.

Describe the perfect day for you...I bring the phrase “a shadow of my former self” to life everyday! Once weighing 342 lbs., I have since lost over 200 lbs., and my journey continues. I now have the health and energy to do the things I enjoy, especially traveling to baseball parks with my husband, Jack.

How do you make a difference each day?For me, staying healthy and leading an active lifestyle means following a low-carb diet, 5-6 days a week at the gym, eight hours of sleep every night, a “cheat day” every week or two, regular visits to the doctor and a monthly massage---great for the mind and body!

Describe your most treasured item in your home?Having grown up in a family where values were important, I realize that the morals and principles I learned as a child, have shaped and molded me into the woman I am today! Family values include spending time with loved ones and being there during the good and bad times.